Palmyra – 'Anomalocivitas' or Special City?

Palmyra, annexed by the Roman Empire at the beginning of the first century ce, became a Greek city (polis) few years later; many inscriptions prove the reality of the new institutions, in an original but not anomalous social and cultural setting. The creation of a new district made it possible to integrate the sanctuaries located on the outskirts, sanctuaries which each grouped a multiplicity of gods. Although they fulfilled many civic functions, the notables preferred to highlight the prestigious priesthoods assumed during in their lifetime.